Neuroscience
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L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rodents induces behavioral signs similar to the symptoms of neuropathic pain in humans. L5/L6 SNL in rats has been well characterized so far, but there have been few studies using mice. In this study, we established an L5/L6 SNL model in mice and examined the effects of known antinociceptive drugs in the model. ⋯ This mouse L5/L6 SNL model represents a robust mechanical allodynia, which shows a similar pharmacological response to that reported in rats and human patients with neuropathic pain. The pattern changes in gene expression also resembled those reported in rats. This model will therefore be useful for investigation of the effects of novel antinociceptive compounds and the mechanisms of neuropathic pain.